Home to School Transport

The Local Authority has a statutory duty, and in appropriate circumstances discretionary powers to provide assistance with home to school travel, based on a pupil’s individual needs and circumstances.

Parent and Carers are responsible for ensuring that their children attend school regularly and on time. Most pupils in Sefton:

  • Walk to school accompanied, if necessary, by a parent/carer; or
  • Travel to school on public transport; or
  • Are driven to school by parents. 

Wherever possible the Local Authority (LA) expects parents to make similar arrangements for children attending school.

Is my child eligible for Home to School Travel Support?

School age pupils are eligible for free home to school travel support if they:

  • Are attending their nearest qualifying school and meet the eligible distance criteria relevant to their age group; or
  • Are from a low-income family and are attending a qualifying school and meet the eligible distance criteria; or
  • Attend their nearest qualifying school and unable to walk or access public transport because of their Special Educational Need Disability (SEND) or mobility.

Please note that Sefton Council does not provide financial support for post-16 student travel.

We may still provide travel support to post 16 students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disability who cannot travel independently. These are assessed on an individual basis using the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement.

What is Home to School Travel Support?

Home to School Travel Support enables your child to get from home to school. The type of support is based on your child’s individual needs and with regard to the best use of the Council’s resources. This can include a travel pass, independent travel training, personal travel budget or a place on commissioned transport.

Most children eligible for Travel Support will be issued with a travel pass, some children with Special Educational Needs Disability may require a more personalised travel solution.

For more information on Independent Travel Training or Personal Travel Budgets please contact Travel Support Team Travel.Support@sefton.gov.uk

How do I apply?

If your child has Special Educational Needs and/or Disability click HERE to apply for an assessment of eligibility.

For all other students click HERE to apply for a public transport Travel Pass

Can I appeal if I am refused travel support?

If you are refused a travel pass or travel support under the current policy, you will be offered the right of appeal against the decision. This will be included with any refusal letter you receive.

Who to contact?

Home to School Travel Support

Telephone:  0151 934 3399

E-mail:  Travel.Support@Sefton.gov.uk

4th Floor, Magdalen House

30 Trinity Road

Bootle

L20 3NJ


Last Updated

Last updated: 27/10/2023

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